Free Christmas Activities at Disney Springs: Holiday Fun Without the Extra Cost

Ashlie & Lauren
Oct 14
4 min read

Walt Disney World Resort offers a plethora of ways to celebrate the holiday season. The official Christmas kickoff for 2025 runs from November 11th through December 31st, but you can start to see décor up as early as November 1st in some areas of the resort. When the last Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ends on October 31st, cast members work overnight to transform Magic Kingdom from spooky to jolly with wreaths and decorations.

A sunny view of Disney Springs with the LEGO sea serpent sculpture in the water and shops and restaurants in the background.

Some of the biggest Walt Disney World holiday celebrations do come at an extra cost, such as Disney’s Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. These special ticketed events can get pricey depending on your date and how many are in your travel party. If you’re interested in either event, you can check out our blog about Jollywood Nights as well as our vlog about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

However, there are plenty of other Christmas activities at Disney you can enjoy throughout the resort that are more budget-friendly. If you aren’t able to resort hop to see the gingerbread displays, you can easily make your way to Disney Springs to enjoy holiday-themed entertainment, food, and activities. And the best part is that a lot of the entertainment and activities are free!

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll

This is one of Disney’s newer holiday traditions, and it’s one I hope sticks around. It has evolved through the years, but now it’s more like a scavenger hunt—which my kids love. You can pick up a map with the location of each Disney-themed tree. Last year, there were a total of 21 trees throughout Disney Springs, but it varies each year.

The map comes with stickers to keep track of the trees you find, and if you complete the map, you’ll receive a small prize. If you have a MagicBand +, some of the trees will even interact with it!

You absolutely do not need to grab a map to participate in the stroll. You can easily wander around Disney Springs and just admire the beautifully decorated trees. There is truly something for everyone, with decorations inspired by beloved Disney and Pixar movies, characters, and even theme park attractions.

Letters to Santa at Disney Springs

Looking for a magical way to send your letter to Santa? Once Upon a Toy has the most adorable setup for sending off wish lists to Santa Claus. They have everything you need to write your letters with special stationery, markers, and their very own magical mailbox. Once your kiddo completes their letter, it will be sent to the North Pole, complete with sound effects and pixie dust.

Disney makes it even more special by making sure Santa receives a copy, and you get to keep your letter! It makes for an adorable souvenir that will last a lifetime.

Meet Santa at Disney Springs

Speaking of Santa, you can actually meet the big guy in red at Disney Springs—for free! Over in Santa’s Marketplace is a beautiful photo spot where you and your family can meet Santa and get a photo with him.

A child meeting Santa inside a cozy Christmas-themed setting with a decorated tree and stone fireplace backdrop. — Photo Credit: Disney

If you’ve purchased a Disney PhotoPass package, these photos will be included, as a PhotoPass photographer is available at this spot. If you don’t have the package, don’t stress! You’re able to take photos with your own phone at no charge.

The only downside to this experience is that you have to secure a spot in the virtual queue. You’ll need to download the My Disney Experience app to do so, and spots do fill up quickly.

Another child sitting with Santa in a room filled with Christmas lights, decorations, and a toy soldier display. — Photo Credit: Disney

WDW Magic shared great tips for grabbing a time slot last year, and I’d imagine the setup will be similar for the 2025 season. If you’re visiting just for vacation, I wouldn’t count on this as something you’ll absolutely get to do—so just plan for it as a bonus if you’re able to grab a spot!

Holiday Entertainment at Disney Springs

The holiday season can make Disney Springs feel busy and even a little hectic. Crowds will no doubt be high and might feel overwhelming, but Disney found a way to break through the hustle and bustle. One of my favorite things about the Christmas season is the entertainment you can find throughout Disney Springs.

Holiday performers on stilts dressed in white with light-up costumes and a toy soldier entertainer standing in front of a large decorated Christmas tree at Disney Springs. — Photo Credit: Disney

This isn’t just scheduled performers on the AdventHealth Waterside Stage. Performers such as toy soldier stilt walkers, a talking Christmas tree, snowflake rollerbladers, a drum line, and a brass band are scattered throughout Disney Springs. Last year, we saw a DJ elf on a sleigh who would stop and interact with guests.

A performer in a festive outfit singing from a decorated sleigh float with light-up reindeer decorations during the nighttime entertainment at Disney Springs.

It’s so nice to see when you’re walking through the area, as it gives you a moment to reset and remember that there is holiday magic everywhere! It always brings a smile to my face seeing how much joy these entertainers bring to those around them. And if you’re like me and wish for a snow-filled white Christmas every year, you can catch nightly snowfall (weather permitting) near the Town Center!

Holiday Photo Spots and Window Displays

Christmas statues of Goofy, Pluto, and Mickey in winter outfits next to a snowy holiday tree and a “Happy Holidays” banner at Disney Springs.

If you aren’t able to snag a photo with Santa at Disney Springs, there are still plenty of ways to get a photo worthy of a holiday card. Disney has special photo spots decked out in holiday cheer.

A holiday-themed window display featuring a character surrounded by garland, lights, and Christmas decorations at Disney Springs.

You can also find stunning window displays created just for the season. There are even some windows that will interact with your MagicBand +! Last year, my family had a blast just walking around each store and looking at the windows.

Disney Springs is a wonderful place to create holiday memories without breaking the bank. We hope you find new holiday traditions for the upcoming 2025 season!